Signing up for a guided hunt can be a hit and miss affair and for this month’s cover story, Sam Garro has outline both the benefits and pitfalls of engaging a professional hunter and what you can expect, though he warns things won’t always go to plan. Under review this month is the latest addition to the iconic Winchester Model 70 family – the Extreme Weather. Equipped with a synthetic stock, this is Winchester’s answer to its competitors’ mountain rifles and our reviewer reckons this one will please any hunter looking for a modernised version of what is a classic rifleman’s rifle. And senior correspondent Rod Pascoe has laid his hands on the Canik Rival pistol, a new offering from the Turkish manufacturer which he says will appeal to anyone after a functional, solid, striker-fired handgun that’s affordable yet has all the attributes for competition shooting. Nathan Besh had his patience tested when buying air rifles from Ukraine but says ultimately the experience was a positive one, with the three firearms from Zbroia proving worth the wait. We also turn the spotlight on scopes, knives, tripods, hunting gear, gun-cleaning kits and knife sharpeners which, along with our regular columns and features, will ensure you have plenty to keep you occupied as we bid farewell to another summer.